Matrox Monarch HD is a small, easy-to-use video streaming and recording appliance designed for professional video producers who need to simultaneously stream a live event and record the master quality version for post-event editing. By separating the task of recording from streaming in a single integrated unit, Matrox Monarch HD ensures that the Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are focused on delivering quality video to your audience while you control the quality of the archive.

From any HDMI input source such as a camera or switcher, Matrox Monarch HD generates an H.264-encoded stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocols. While encoding the video at bitrates suitable for live streaming, Matrox Monarch HD simultaneously records a high-quality MP4 file to an SD card, a USB drive, or a network-mapped drive. Matrox Monarch HD is remotely controlled using any computer or mobile device with a web browser.

Record master quality video while streaming

If an event is worth streaming, it is worth recording at the highest possible quality. The better the recording quality, the more value it offers a post event produced asset. These assets can be made available to your audience as fast turnaround VOD files or as fully post produced highlight reels.

The quality of your recording should not be affected by your upload bandwidth. Matrox Monarch HD lets you set recording bitrates as high as 30 Mbps while simultaneously streaming at up to 20 Mbps.

Matrox Monarch HD injects the highest quality video into every bit regardless of input source or target bitrate. Combining the power of the built-in H.264 encoder with Matrox’s high quality deinterlacing and scaling engines guarantees stunning results.

Ready to edit and upload with MP4

Matrox Monarch HD records high quality H.264 video as MP4 files, which offer maximum versatility for all applications. Upload a file to your own web server or to a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like YouTube. Alternatively, you can directly import the file into most creation tools without the need for file transcoding.

Connect with HDMI

The HDMI output of the Matrox Monarch HD makes it easy to monitor what you are streaming and recording, regardless of whether the signal is received from a camera, a switcher, a signal convertor, or a computer. Eight channels of embedded audio can be processed and output. Two channels of audio input with loopout are also available via 1/8” stereo jacks.

Robust appliance

Powerful and robust, Matrox Monarch HD offers simple, one touch stream and record pushbuttons, low power consumption, a locking power connector, and a fanless design. Its design allows it to be just as easily located on a desktop as in a rack–up to three units can fit in a single 1RU tray. The software is built upon a secure embedded Linux O/S so there is zero risk of automatic updates or unscheduled exchanges with third party servers.

Easily reach your audience

Whether you’re providing live content to Flash or Wowza servers, or to any of the popular CDNs, Matrox Monarch HD’s flexible streaming internet protocols’ support is up to task. Its useful encoding presets let you select the most appropriate resolution based on the available bandwidth. The target encoding streaming parameters only need to be entered once and saved as a unique profile. Multiple profiles can be saved if the device is used in different environments. Each profile can be loaded instantly without having to reenter data.

Record to anything

Matrox Monarch HD lets you select from a variety of recording media types. Use a USB key or drive when portability is important. A SD card might be your best option when a more secure and compact solution is required. Alternately, a system drive on a computer found on the network may prove extremely useful if multiple individuals need to access the footage.

Regardless of where you store the footage, the record controls can be executed without affecting the streaming operations. High quality files are available anytime during the streaming session for creating complementary video assets.

Remote Command and Control

A simple web page is all that is needed to harness the power of Matrox Monarch HD. You can control and configure the appliance using any device on your network that supports a standard web browsing application. A preview of the main IP broadcast stream is embedded in the control web page.

A single Matrox Monarch HD device can act as a master to multiple slave devices. From a single web page, you can simultaneously start the recording and/or streaming of up to four Matrox Monarch HD devices.

MatroxStreaming

Matrox Monarch HD Technical Specifications

Inputs and Outputs

HDMI Video Input

Progressive1920x1080 @ 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98 Frames per second1280x720@ 60/59.94/50 Frames per second

**Note that when both streaming and recording resolutions are above 1280x720, the encode parameters must be identical for both processes. Completely Independent recording and streaming settings are available when either the streaming or the recording resolution is 1280x720 or below.

High Quality multi-tap 10 bit Down Scaler and De-Interlacer.Available to both streaming and recording operations.

Recording File Format

File Type

Industry Standard MP4 and MOV files with two channels of embedded AAC audio.

Recording Lengths

Maximum file length of 300 minutes - irrespective of storage type used. File splitting feature allows a user to record continuously for long periods by defining file segment sizes. The Monarch HD will create these sequential file segments over the course of the recording operation without losing a single frame of video. File segment can have a length of 1 to 300 minutes.

RTMP, RTSP/RTPIPv4 SupportUnicast and Multi Unicast (number of clients may vary from 3 to 10)

User Interface

Computer Based control

HTTP via standard PC or Mac web browser using Matrox Command Center. The simple Monarch HD Control API is also available to programmers to create their own application to start and stop the Monarch HD.

Physical Interface

On Device push buttons for independent streaming and recording Start/Stop control

Storage Types for File Recording

2 x USB 2.0

Support for NTFS (3.1) and FAT32 file systemThe Monarch HD will support writing to USB3 devices at USB2 speeds. Also note, there is a very high variability in the performance capabilities of “thumb” drives (even USB3 versions). Many are optimized for “read” operations while the Monarch HD requires sustained “write” capabilities. For best results, Matrox recommends using powered USB drives. If small portable media is required, SD cards may be more suitable.

Support for writing to shared folders in computers found on a network using Windows Share protocols (suitable for windows system) as well as NFS protocols (suitable for Mac and Linux systems).

Matrox Command Center Web UI

Status Page

Provides relevant operational information concerning Status of MonarchHD unit at that time including; Input video detection and resolution, State and configuration of Streaming operation, State and configuration of Recording operation, Error conditions, etc.

Control Page

Recording and Streaming operations initiated here including Synchronized start/stop operations. Multiple Monarch devices can be synchronized in a Master/Slave topology to allow for synchronized record and streaming operations across multiple units via a single interface.

Record Settings

Configuration of recording parameters set within this page. A number of presets are included which are selected based on post event use of the recorded asset. If file is to be uploaded for VOD purposes, a YouTube preset may be selected. If content is to be edited for high quality production, a higher bitrate preset may be preferable.

Streaming Settings

Configuration of Streaming parameters performed on this page. The RTMP or RTSP credentials as well as encoding parameters are entered. Encoder presets have been included to quickly select an ideal encoder settings based on desired delivery resolution or bitrate. The loading of Flash Media Server XML configuration files is supported.

Administrative tools

Device Naming, IP configuration, Date/Time settings and a variety of other tasks performed via this page.

Additional Tools

Matrox provide PC or Mac based utilities to help detect Monarch HD Device on a particular Network (DHCP server required).

Resources

About Us

Videoguys.com is the evolution of The Electronic Mailbox -a family owned and operated business that has proudly served videographers and producers like you for more than 30 years. For three generations, we have been shooting footage of our growing families and have spent countless hours editing. We actually install and use the equipment we sell and we love to share our experience and expertise with you.